All three of my children, including my oldest, Samantha, have taken riding lessons. Erick and James currently ride. Riding teaches responsibility, patience and balance. It also teaches children to relate to and care for the horse.

That being said, what are the odds my youngest son, James, could get his feet stepped on by a horse twice in one week? Better than average, apparently. He was picking out a horse’s foot on Thursday evening, and the horse moved, and stepped on his left foot. He moved away from the horse, sat down, and started whining. I was several yards away, and stayed where I was. The teacher was closer to him. I learned with James, his reactions are much like his sister’s. The whine is not cause for alarm. And if I respond, the drama would increase. So I waited, and a few minutes later he was up and around and astride the horse.

A couple days later, it was the other foot’s turn. The horse he had been riding tripped as she entered the barn. She moved to keep herself from falling, and her hoof came down on James’s boot. He fell to his knees. This time, his cries were more urgent. He moved to a safer spot, took off his boot, and it was a few more minutes before he could get his sock off. (The riding instructor took care of the horse). We praised the horse for not falling on James. That would have been far worse for both of them.

On inspection, James had a small scrape on his big toe, and the middle of the toes was a bit red. I suggested ice. That caused whining. I offered to take him to urgent care. He said, “My bone isn’t sticking out.” I laughed, and explained that if it was, we would be at the emergency room, and the difference between urgent issues and emergencies. I ended up just bringing him home. Normally after the barn we have dinner. Then he has a bath before his dad picks him up.

He let me wipe off his foot. It did not look any worse. He rested, ate dinner on the couch, and stayed off his foot until his dad came to pick him up.

He wanted me to carry him to the parking lot. He is now a little too big for that. So I held his arm, and he hopped.

I checked with his dad the next morning, and his foot was feeling better - thank goodness.

Oldest son Erick observed that when he was younger, I had him wear a vest to protect his ribs. I sure did. This is the same boy who jumped up after his 13th fall off a horse, did a fist pump and cried, “Lucky 13!” He does not cry or whine almost ever. When he does, you know it’s serious.

Working with animals that weigh over a thousand pounds is risky. It is also fun. The horse James rode let me brush her before the lesson. She has been known to get freaky over the brushes, but she stood quietly, even when I worked on some muddy bits that were worked into her coat.

Accidents can happen anytime. Knowing how my kids react is important. And I am very glad James wasn’t hurt more.